Billie Gray Lassiter, 80, longtime Pawleys visitor – Coastal Observer
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Billie Gray Lassiter, 80, longtime Pawleys visitor

January 9, 2020

Billie T. Lassiter of Statesville, N.C., a longtime property owner on Pawleys Island, died Dec. 29 at her home. She was 80.

Known as Billie Gray, she was born Dec. 10, 1939, in Burlington, N.C., the daughter of Grayson Columbus Thomas and Dora Johnson Thomas.  

She was a 1958 graduate of Walter M. Williams High School in Burlington, where she backed the Bulldogs as a member of the varsity cheerleading squad. She went on to graduate from Watts School of Nursing in Durham, N.C., in 1961. 

On May 27, 1962, she married her high school sweetheart, Thomas Michael Lassiter. He died in 2012. 

Early in their marriage, Mrs. Lassiter worked as a registered nurse at Blowing Rock Hospital and the UNC Chapel Hill Infirmary while Mr. Lassiter, who was known as Mike, finished his law degree. 

For nearly 60 years, she selflessly cared for her family while perfecting the art of homemaking in every way, especially her famous pound cake and sweet tea recipes.

Mrs. Lassiter was a member of Broad Street United Methodist Church of Statesville and a dedicated volunteer with Meals On Wheels of Iredell County.

A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Billie Gray’s proudest accomplishments and greatest joys were her four children and 11 grandchildren, who all lovingly called her “Grammy.” 

She was an avid reader, fierce bridge player, smooth shagger and played the piano beautifully. She particularly treasured time spent with friends (“The Pigs”) and family at Pawleys Island. 

She is survived by children, T. Michael Lassiter, Jr. (Kate) of Davidson, N.C., Sydney L. Lowe (James) of Raleigh, N.C., Laura L. Kriofske (Kris) of Winston-Salem, N.C., Sarah L. Mason (Matt) of Winston-Salem, N.C.; 11 grandchildren, Grace, Erin and Michael Lassiter III, Grayson, Charlotte and Lucy Lowe, Isabel, Anna and Scarlett Kriofske and Billie Gray and Jake Mason; her sister, Barbara T. Harris of Greenville; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Broad Street United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. Saturday. The family will receive friends Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the home and Saturday following the service at the church. 

Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels of Iredell County, Broad Street United Methodist Church or charity of your choice. 

Condolences may be sent at troutmanfuneralhome.com.

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Georgetown County Board of Education: First and third Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., Beck Education Center. For details, go to gcsd.k12.sc.us. Georgetown County Council: Second and fourth Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers, 129 Screven St., Georgetown. For details, go to georgetowncountysc.org. Pawleys Island Town Council: Second Mondays, 5 p.m. Town Hall, 323 Myrtle Ave. For details, go to townofpawleysisland.com.   , .

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